Worldwide Contraceptive Use Contributes to Decline in Abortions

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LOS ANGELES – A report released this week by the Guttmacher Institute points to an increase in worldwide contraceptive use–leading to a decrease in unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion.

“This report shows that providing low or no-cost contraception and facilitating a positive dialogue about preventing unintended pregnancies yields positive results,” said Rebecca Isaacs, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. “It is so important that we continue to provide medically accurate sex education, high- quality, low-cost family planning services, and ensure that safe and legal abortion services are available to women in need.”

Although the increased usage of contraception is good news, the number of unintended pregnancies in Los Angeles County remains high, especially among teens–14,733 teens faced pregnancy in 2007. There is still much to be done to educate teens about the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and the spread of STDs.

“Planned Parenthood works tirelessly to give teens the skills they need to approach their parents, and parents the skills they need to talk with their teens,” Isaacs said. “We are proud to be part of the solution when it comes to reducing unintended pregnancy and, with continued efforts, the rate of teen births in LA County will decline.”